Understanding Why Female Dogs Mount Other Female Dogs
Mounting behavior, often referred to as humping, is common among all dogs—not just males. While many people associate this behavior with sexual activity, there's a broad range of triggers behind dogs mounting each other. In female dogs, this behavior may occur during interactions with both dogs and humans and can persist even after spaying. Let's explore the most common reasons behind this behavior in female dogs and how to manage it effectively.
Common Reasons Female Dogs Mount Other Females
- Playfulness and Social Interaction: Often, humping is part of friendly play. You might observe it alongside classic play signals such as play bows, pawing, or tail wagging. It’s a way for dogs to communicate excitement or initiate interaction.
- Attention-Seeking Behavior: If a dog has learned that mounting draws the attention of owners—whether positive or negative—she may continue to do it as a way of engagement.
- Learned Response: Dogs may repeat the behavior if they’ve received attention, treats, or any other form of reward (even unintentional) after doing it.
- Stress or Overstimulation: New environments, guests in the house, or unfamiliar dogs can make a dog anxious, leading to mounting as a coping behavior.
- Boredom or Excess Energy: Dogs without enough mental or physical stimulation may use mounting to release tension or satisfy their need for activity.
- Imitation: Living in multi-dog households can contribute if one dog starts mounting and others follow by mimicking the behavior.
- Medical Causes: In cases where mounting begins suddenly or is excessive, a medical evaluation may reveal issues such as urinary tract infections, skin irritations, or even hormonal imbalances.
- Hormonal Changes: Females, especially unspayed ones, may hump due to hormonal shifts around their heat cycles. Even after spaying, hormonal remnants can continue to impact behavior for several weeks.
- Compulsive Tendencies: Rarely, mounting can develop into a compulsive disorder, especially in dogs under chronic psychological stress.
The Myth of Dominance
One prevalent theory is that humping is a display of dominance. However, modern research suggests this is not usually the case. Mounting is more often a response to arousal, anxiety, or socially learned behavior. In fact, sometimes it’s the more submissive or insecure dog that does the humping.
When Is Mounting Most Likely to Occur?
- During greetings with new dogs or people
- In highly stimulating environments like dog parks or daycare
- When routines at home are disrupted
- If the dog is tired or overstimulated
- After watching other dogs engage in the behavior
Managing and Reducing the Behavior
- Avoid Punishment: Scolding or yelling may increase stress or make the behavior worse over time.
- Redirect Constructively: Intervene early by asking for a sit or offering a toy. Redirection can be an effective way to shift the dog’s energy into more positive behaviors.
- Use Positive Reinforcement: Reward calm behavior or following commands to encourage non-humping actions.
- Identify and Manage Triggers: Whether objects, certain dogs, or particular settings trigger humping, identifying these can help reduce incidences.
- Enrichment Activities: Give your dog more exercise, brain games, and social opportunities to address boredom and surplus energy.
- Teach Reliable Cues: Commands like "leave it" or "go to your place" can be helpful tools to stop humping before it escalates.
- Consult a Professional: If mounting becomes obsessive, aggressive, or causes harm, it's time to consult a professional dog trainer or a veterinary behaviorist.
Medical Evaluation and Hormonal Considerations
Mounting that is sudden and frequent might indicate underlying health issues. Female dogs may hump due to discomfort or irritation caused by infections or allergies. If combined with genital licking or chewing, a trip to the veterinarian is advisable. Similarly, although spaying reduces hormonally-driven mounting, behavior linked to learned responses or anxiety may persist even in spayed females.
Is Mounting Ever a Problem?
Occasional humping that doesn’t bother other dogs is usually harmless. However, when the behavior is constant, causes fights, or poses a safety risk—like when large dogs mount smaller animals or children—it becomes a bigger concern. In such cases, management, training, and possibly behavioral consultation become essential.
Conclusion
Mounting is a normal, non-gender-specific behavior in dogs. In females, it can arise from a variety of causes, including play, stress, habit, or medical issues—not just sexual drive or dominance. Using positive reinforcement training, increasing physical and mental stimulation, and identifying potential stressors or medical problems can help reduce or eliminate unwanted humping. Understanding the full context of your dog's behavior is key to offering compassionate and effective support.
